HEMINGWAY SHORTS, the annual literary anthology published by the Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park, aims to highlight emerging voices in short fiction. Eleven stories will be selected for publication by an appointed review panel, with one overall winner receiving an award of $1,000. The current Writer-in-Residence will support authors in refining and editing their work as needed. This contest is not intended to recognize writers who emulate Hemingway; instead, it serves as a platform to celebrate a wide range of talent, narratives, and voices.
In addition, we manage two (2) college scholarship high school essay contests held annually for local area high schools in the following school districts: D200 Oak Park-River Forest, D201 Berwyn-Cicero/Morton, D208 Riverside-Brookfield, D209 Proviso Township, and D401 Elmwood Park. The chosen student essays are published within this literary journal and receives a $1,500 scholarship to their chosen higher learning institution.
The Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park is a literary arts and educational organization that strives to preserve and explore the creative excellence embodied in the life and writing of Ernest Hemingway. In providing opportunities for students, scholars, and visitors to better understand Hemingway and his work, the Foundation enables them to experience what it means to be a disciplined writer influenced by local and world events, as well as by personal and cultural values.
In addition to honoring the past, the Foundation also is dedicated to the present and future, by striving to support creative writers and artists of all kinds, to hear their stories, to collectively engage both artists and audiences in serving as a community cornerstone.
The Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park, Illinois is looking for your best short story. This call for submissions is for the Foundation's HEMINGWAY SHORTS CONTEST. One (1) grand prize winner ($1,000.00 monetary award) and ten (10) finalists will be selected for publication in our 11th edition of the literary journal HEMINGWAY SHORTS. We will announce the grand prize winner's name and recognize all ten finalists at a foundation event. Guidelines: Applicants must submit their work through Submittable only. The submission fee is a non-refundable $15.00. Applicants are required to provide (a) the title of their submission, (b) author’s name, (c) street address; (d) phone number and (e) email on their submission text, (f) List of previous publications/awards/degrees (please note we do not share your data for any purposes) Submissions must be:
- Double-spaced using the Times Roman font at 12pt in doc or docx formats only.
- The story should be no longer than 2,000 words in English only.
- Short stories only.
- We allow simultaneous submissions—writers please notify us and withdraw your piece if your work is picked up elsewhere
- Multiple submissions are allowed, but must be submitted separately
- Previously submitted or previously published material is not permitted.
- International submissions are allowed
- Please note by submitting your work, you agree to the terms of use/publication agreement (located on second page of submitting after inputting contact info and before submission of work) if your work is selected for publication.
- A complimentary copy of the 2026 Hemingway Shorts will be provided to the authors of those works selected for publication. Additional copies will be made available for purchase on-line. The deadline for submissions is April 3, 2026 (no exceptions) Failure to adhere to these guidelines will mean disqualification.
Attention all juniors! If you like to write, now is your opportunity to demonstrate your skills and strive to become the winner of the annual Hemingway Foundation scholarship sponsored by the Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park (EHFOP). Now in its tenth year, the fund awards a $1,500 college scholarship, as well as a mentorship with the Foundation’s Writer-in-Residence during your senior year. In addition to the chosen scholarship winner we will also name up to two (2) additional finalists. All three essays will published in the 2026 Hemingway Shorts, the Foundation's annual journal publication.
Here’s your challenge: Write a 300 – 600-word essay that conveys how you feel about your hometown, officially titled “What Is Your Escape?” You never know. You could be the next Ernest Hemingway. More importantly, maybe you can follow his lead, to dream big and to follow your dreams.
Only Juniors from the below specified school districts are eligible. D200 Oak Park-River Forest, D201 Berwyn-Cicero/Morton, D208 Riverside-Brookfield, D209 Proviso Township, D401 Elmwood Park
You must have a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.5 to apply. The essay application opens at 5:00 p.m. on February 1, 2026 the deadline for submissions is extended to March 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
EHFOP is a literary foundation whose mission is to foster the understanding of the life and work of Ernest Hemingway, with emphasis on his Oak Park origins and his impact on world literature. Additionally, we strive to reinforce the importance of the written word as well as the value of thoughtful reading and writing. The Hemingway Foundation Student Essay Scholarship is intended to reinforce these aims.
The top three finalists will be announced by April 30, 2026. The award will be presented at a later date to be determined. For more information contact the Hemingway Foundation at info@ehfop.org.
Attention all seniors ! A memorial scholarship established in memory of former Hemingway Foundation Chairman and past Treasurer, Allan O. Baldwin is available. This annual scholarship is awarded through an essay competition, which is based on a 300-600 words on a given topic, is open to all seniors in conjunction with the English Division at their respective High School. The top finalist chosen will be included in our annual Hemingway Shorts literary journal publication and receives a $1,500 scholarship (college or tech school), administrated through the Hemingway Foundation.
Here’s your challenge: Write a 300 – 600-word essay that conveys your thoughts on the following prompt, “Life Is An Adventure” You never know. You could be the next Ernest Hemingway. More importantly, maybe you can follow his lead, to dream big and to follow your own dreams.
Only SENIORS from the specified school districts are eligible. Previous Hemingway Foundation Junior Scholarship recipient is not eligible. D200 Oak Park-River Forest, D201 Berwyn-Cicero/Morton, D208 Riverside-Brookfield, D209 Proviso Township, D401 Elmwood Park
You must have a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.5 to apply. The essay application opens at 5:00 p.m. on February 1, 2026; the deadline for submissions is extended until March 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
EHFOP is a literary foundation whose mission is to foster the understanding of the life and work of Ernest Hemingway, with emphasis on his Oak Park origins and his impact on world literature. Additionally, we strive to reinforce the importance of the written word as well as the value of thoughtful reading and writing. The Hemingway Foundation Student Essay Scholarship is intended to reinforce these aims.
The chosen finalist will be announced by April 30, 2026. The award will be presented at a later date to be determined. For more information contact the Hemingway Foundation via email at info@ehfop.org